Focus on Andrew Leah
This month we focus on Andrew Leah, a partner in the matrimonial department based at our Southport (Churchtown) office. Andrew can be contacted by email or by telephoning 01704 232323.
Andrew obtained his Honours Law Degree at Aberystwyth University before pursuing a course of study and obtaining a qualification as a Master of Business Administration. After briefly flirting with a career in Chartered Accountancy, Andrew resumed his legal studies once more at the College of Law, York.
Andrew qualified as a Solicitor in February 1994 and has been a member of the Law Society’s Family Law Panel for nine years. In the early part of his career Andrew undertook a wide variety of work including general litigation, personal injury work, employment law and even some criminal advocacy. Andrew feels this wide breadth of experience has helped him to deal with the inevitably wide breadth of clientele who now consult him over matrimonial and other relationship breakdown related issues.
Andrew is greatly experienced in dealing with privately funded financial disputes arising from relationship breakdown and has been fortunate enough to assist a significant number of high net worth clients. When asked to characterise his negotiating style Andrew responded “tough but fair”. He is of the view that in the difficult circumstance of a relationship breakdown a balance must be struck between securing a fair and practicable financial settlement and wherever possible, attempting to find any common ground at the earliest opportunity thereby minimising unnecessary stress, aggravation and consequential legal cost.
Andrew joined Birchall Blackburn from a firm in Manchester where he had been head of Family Department across four branch offices to pursue the exciting opportunity with Birchall Blackburn of developing a local network of three offices in Churchtown, Formby and Penwortham.
Interests
Rugby League, Crown Green Bowling, the occasional consumption of a nice pint of real ale.
Walking in the country, as long as there is a pub at the end of the route, local issues as Andrew is a Governor of the local Church Primary School and a member of his Church’s Parochial Church Council.
Career Highlight
Securing a number of residence orders for Dads “against all odds” and receiving thanks from clients who have been able to pursue post divorce careers with great personal success without the burden of ongoing spousal maintenance orders.
Favourite Holiday
Two weeks in Aruba – paradise!
Best Ever Non-Family Related Day
One Saturday as a ten year old boy watching Leeds United (unfortunately) lose 3 – 1 to Liverpool and then going to Aintree to see Red Rum win his last Grand National.
Secretary Contact Details
Joan Cowlishaw, Diana Nicholls, Tracey Maher - 01704 232323